Wake Forest MSL program offers cutting edge telemedicine course

“The doctor will be with you in a minute,” says a nurse as she leaves the consultation room. Sitting in a gown on top of an exam table, you wait patiently for the door to open. To your surprise, a monitor turns on and your doctor’s face appears. “How are we doing today?” she asks.

Welcome to the world of telemedicine, where healthcare services are delivered digitally through telecommunication technology. To help working professionals meet the demands of this growing $18.2 billion industry, Wake Forest University School of Law has added a telemedicine course to its part-time, online Master of Studies in Law degree and certificate programs.

"Digital health, telemedicine and mHealth are driving tremendous change and growth in the healthcare industry in the U.S. and globally," Bryan Arkwright, Wake Forest Law MSL adjunct instructor, said. "However, the number of dedicated courses across higher learning institutions is low. Wake Forest's MSL course is unique at a time when knowledge of telemedicine is in high demand. It's something students can leverage immediately."

There is a broad range of legal issues that impact patients, health care providers and regulatory professionals, Ellen Murphy, director of the MSL program, explained. Students in the course will learn about the federal and state legislation and regulatory schemes that govern the use of telemedicine. In addition, students will learn about the business models involved in telemedicine, the credentialing of physicians and other service providers, and how to mitigate the risks inherent in digital delivery of healthcare. According to the American Telemedicine Association, Wake Forest Law’s telemedicine course is the first of its kind.

"The operations and delivery of high quality, patient-centered care through telemedicine is complex," Arkwright said. "But it is a true game changer for patients and clinicians across the globe. I'm especially pleased to be involved with this program, sharing industry knowledge and best practices with students."

Wake Forest Law’s part-time MSL degree and certificate program is specifically designed for professionals in highly regulated environments who want a better understanding of the law governing their workplace, Murphy said. While some practicing lawyers are enrolled in the MSL program, most students come from industries such as insurance, healthcare, compliance and human resources. The MSL degree and certificate programs are taught by industry insiders and Wake Forest Law faculty.